EastEnders goes live as Olympic torch arrives in Walford

EastEnders character Billy Mitchell finally had the chance to carry the Olympic torch through Walford in a live sequence at the end of Monday’s episodes.

Billy Mitchell, played by Perry Fenwick, carried the Olympic torch through Walford in the live EastEnders scene (Picture: BBC)

The eight-minute sequence, which featured in the second of Monday night’s double bill of shows, saw the character – played by Perry Fenwick – narrowly make it to the starting line for his moment of glory after becoming stuck on a tube train with members of the Queen Vic football club.

And after running his stretch holding the torch, passing several of Albert Square’s most famous haunts including the Queen Vic, he discovered that his granddaughter Lola, played by Danielle Harold, was in labour, and raced to her side just seconds before she gave birth to a baby girl.

The sequence won a largely positive response on Twitter, with viewers taking to the site to praise Mitchell for his efforts.

‘Seeing Billy Mitchell running with the Olympic torch was more exciting than seeing it in real life. True story,’ said one tweeter.

Rehearsals for the sequence – which was shown live to allow the torch time to arrive in Walford – began on Saturday and continued into full dress rehearsals yesterday.

31 actors featured in the relay’s first foray into drama, along with 450 extras, while the insert was captured using nineteen cameras set up in different parts of Albert Square.

Rehearsals for the sequence began over the weekend (Picture: BBC)

Perry Fenwick said: ‘Summer arrives just in time for me to complete my 24th circuit of Albert Square and I’m sweltering. On the plus side, I’m starting to see abs, have buns of steel and the show is looking good too!’

Clive Arnold, director, added: ‘As the only drama asked to be involved with the Olympic Torch Relay, it is a huge honour for EastEnders and for everyone involved – a truly once in a lifetime opportunity.’